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False Advertisement Online
Posted by Debnyogi on 11/28/2012
CARROLLTON, GEORGIA -- According to an email I received and online, AAA is suppose to send someone out to check and/or replace your battery if needed. I have requested twice online. Both times I told them where I lived, zip etc. They asked about the vehical. and stated that it would be $120.00 to replace the battery and that someone would be here in 75 minutes. Both times somebody came out, both times the gentlemen told me "We don't do that". Okay, I'm confused and still have a vehical that won't start. I just spoke with AAA and asked if they just sent the wrong people or what. The agent said no that the information was wrong online that they do not do the service in smaller towns. They sure don't mind taking small town money. Besides Carrollton is NOT a small town. This is the first time that I have tried to use my AAA and I'm very disappointed.
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Posted by trmn8r on 2012-11-28:
I have been an AAA member several times, but never used the battery service. I assume that if you are a member, and maybe even if you aren't, you just pay $120 and they deliver the battery and install it.
What surprises me is that evidently a service person came out, and then told you "we don't do that". When you made the service call, did you tell them that you wanted to buy a battery? Seems like they should know without coming out if they do it or not. I'm a bit confused also.
You say they "don't mind taking your money". If you mean for regular membership, note that battery service is a separate animal.
Posted by Anonymous on 2012-11-28:
AAA sends out a contracted provider. AAA its-self doesn't come out. It's a third party provided contracted through AAA to provide a service. There might be small print somewhere that says that particular service isn't available in all area's.
Posted by no tellin on 2012-12-01:
i am a aaa battery tech aaa would like to belive that all shops do battery service but that aint true they want us to do them 7am to 7 pm . its almost impossible to make them happy but we do our best to help all aaa members the best we can
Posted by Nancy Todd on 2013-01-05:
AAA looks for reasons not to replace under warranty battery. Their replacement battery (under warranty) is fraud. They cause you nothing but stress. The AAA guys that come say one thing and then AAA won't honor their replacement. I will never buy from them again.
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AAA Battery Service Convenient, but Batteries are Awful
Posted by AMV on 06/28/2010
The AAA Battery Replacement program is very convenient, as they dispatch a service vehicle with a new battery to your location and install it on the spot. The cost is very competitive with an off the shelf battery. Here is the problem: The batteries they provide are awful, just terrible. Simply put, they are the worst performing batteries I've ever had in any car I've owned---and I've been driving for about 30 years now. I've had three of these batteries. Fooled me once, shame on me. Fooled me a second time, shame on me again. Third time was a warranty coverage---that one is now on the fritz too. The batteries last an average of 2 years. The one that just quit on me today was about a year and a half old. Worst part is that they've now become stingy with warranty replacement---claiming that the spent battery is "good" even though it clearly will not hold a charge. I wish they'd charge a little more and provide top quality batteries instead of the garbage they offer.
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Posted by aaabattdrvr on 2010-07-01:
I drive a AAA battery service truck and I agree with you. The recent changes Club Assist (AAA's Batt Division) has initiated have caused much grief. I empathize with our members who spend a lot of money on the AAA battery, only to be put through the ringer when the battery needs a warranty test. We MUST use Club Assist Testers, follow ALL Club Assist procedures, enforce ALL their limitations. Do not allow non-AAA technicians to remove your AAA battery, or the warranty will be automatically void. Do not let your vehicle sit unstarted for 4 or more weeks, start it every 7-10 days at least, run it for 10-15 minutes minimum. Warranties are non transferable. KEEP YOUR AAA RECEIPT!!! Also, there is an 888 number on the receipt (on back, bottom)and on the top battery label for Club Assist (their in Florida), so call that number and fill their ears with ALL complaints, concerns, and comments. Don't bother calling the roadside number to complain about the battery quality/warranty policy issues. Lastly, please don't take your frustration out on the drivers...it's NOT our fault.
Posted by Keith A. on 2010-10-15:
We've been providing battery service for AAA since October 2004.
I was a little reluctant to get into this arm of the business as I feared it might hinder our good relations with the various repair shops for whom we also provide towing services.
However, as a AAA contractor, we also needed to remain pro-active in this new product and so we jumped on board.
Initially, the batteries were manufactured by Exide. AAA has always been careful about branding themselves with a product that didn't meet their requirements for reliability and trustworthiness. So when they decided to get into the battery selling business, they felt that Exide would be providing a quality product.
Turns out, after a few years, the extra business generated by AAA was too much for Exide and their quality control took a dump.
For a good year, we had several issues with all Exide batteries with many warranty complaints.
Then in 2009, AAA was able to secure East Penn / Dekka as a provider for batteries and they produce a top quality battery. Do the research on them and I think you'll agree, this has been for the better.
I won't go into all the details about East Penn, but for us, we have seen a significant decrease in battery failures since they made the switch.
Unfortunately for you, it appears you initially purchased one of the Exides and the problems just continued from there.
And now, the issue for you is probably more along the lines of which is better: Ford or Chevy. Both have their loyal following and both have their weaknesses.
For you, and rightfully so after all you've been thru, AAA and their batteries are always going to be garbage.
Just like a Ford man who bashes on a Chevy man...or vice versa.
The comments from "aaabattdrvr" are spot on concerning the procedures and limitations of the tech and following all the Club Assist rules.
During that "Exide" period when I knew in my heart that the product quality had slipped....we found ourselves "eating the cost" numerous times just to save our good name, let alone AAA and Club Assist, because it was the right thing to to do.
Many times, Club Assist would not back us up on a decision to warranty out a battery, saying we should have done such-n-such. But our AAA district manager could see thru the malarky and more often than not, he would still back us up in our decisions.
A final point of clarification: You've heard me and "aaabattdrvr" mention Club Assist and AAA. For what it's worth, Club Assist is a third party company that basically greased the wheel for AAA to start selling batteries. Club Assist is a worldwide company (I believe originating in Australia) that made it all happen and got AAA to do the co-branding gig.
So Club Assist is who we order the batteries from. They provide the testers and training. AAA just says, "Yeah...this is a good program and we'll put our name on it and promote it."
Posted by Bill S on 2013-11-13:
I manage a company that installs AAA batteries. I can assure you that they are top quality now. As the previous poster mentioned, East Penn produces the battery, and it is equivalent to "Gold" level batteries with many different labels. Remember, there are actually only three mainstream battery manufacturers in the country
Posted by Gerry on 2013-12-04:
Bill, you say that AAA is top quality now. I just had a AAA battery from Dec 2011 replaced with another AAA battery. Why would a new battery only last 2 years ? Same car that a five yr battery came out of last time. Sounds like AAA is still lagging behind and that is VERY unsettling.
Posted by Kris N. on 2013-12-11:
AAA sells either East Penn Batteries or Johnson Control Company (Interstate) and puts their logo on either one. Both are the best US manufacturers, hands down. The batteries are actually swapped out by a mandatory 90 day freshness system, which AAA negotiated as part of their supply contract so they wouldnt sell stale discharged batteries. Club Assist is a company that is essentially a middle man making revenue by being the go between for AAA regional clubs and manufacturers. they make a margin on the sales and distribution network. They also negotiate the testing equipment supply and maintenance contracts for each AAA Club with a company called Midtronics who makes battery testers that give printous for basically every company in the battery business, dealers and all. Since going to Eastpenn and JC, AAAs battery product is on par with Interstate and DieHard, they are all literally the same batteries with each store's different sticker. There are NO differences. Club Assist is the weak link in AAA's battery system. They make their profit based on how few batteries they need to warranty and how many units they sell. They also negotiate the supply terms and have been recently doing things like supplying lower power batteries in shipments on certain models than the better quality power ratings they started the supply with. This is because they save money when buying them from the manufacturer like in any other business. if you buy a cheaper version and sell it for the same money, its more profit. Club Assist also sets strict warranty rules that are NOT consistent with the rest of the car repair industry, and does everything it can at the Club level to deny warranties, which ultimately hurt their bottom line. Club Assist will never admit outloud that they know the tester they supply frequently returns failed results on batteries that are just severely discharged. That would badly effect their sales, because many batteries that AAA gets to are just dead because a door was open. But the tester has a LOT of trouble figuring that out. Over 60% of our tests are "bad" batteries according to the tester, even if the battery is only 1 year old, sometimes less. Also, Club Assist constantly pressures people in shops like ours working for AAA to not warranty batteries in different ways, while always being careful to not ever get caught officially saying anything. But, they leave it on the driver doing the call to try and explain why the tester says a battery is bad or has a bad cell when they show a AAA customer the printout, but try and say that if its a AAA battery, they cant warranty it because the car doesnt go XXX miles a month, or the light was left on. AAA is truly trying to deliver a great service to those who want it and see value in convenience and round the clock service, but Club Assist is making rules that are giving some AAA guys a bad rap. It's also interesting that many many Club Assist employees in the US are former AAA company employees, like a little sub company built to make a little more profit and also divert legal association in case of an issue. We love AAA and providing their customers with great service and batteries when they need one, but Club Assist makes it very hard to do the work the way we know we want to.
Posted by Miles Weekes on 2013-12-12:
I had a starting problem on January4,2013 with the original battery of over 5 years trouble-free service! I called AAA and they told me they could replace it right in my driveway for $130.00!! So I bought it! The 1st cold day(20*) my Van wouldn't start! AAA came out,I had put my charger on it while I waited and it started by the time they arrived! They tested it and said I wasn't driving it enough to keep it charged and if I didn't drive a certain amount of miles a year that it would VOID their warranty! It had sat for about 4-5 days! I put it on the charger and left it! I took it off charge and 3 days later it would not start again! The next tech again said I'm not driving enough to keep it charged! Even though I told him it had been on the charger for days prior!! The next time it happened only days after taking it off the charger again,it didn't start! I had to put it on charger for a full day before I could start it and drove strait to Sears and put in a Diehard Platinum(207.00)!! They said the AAA battery tested BAD! I have not changed my driving habits and have not had a problem,even with temps. in the teens! By the way the AAA battery lasted about 10 months!!! I am out $130.00 and the added stress because they refused to honor their replacement warranty(3year full replacement as they told me on the phone when I agreed to buy it)!! Sears FULL replacement,NO questions asked for 4 years!! Do Not Buy AAA batteries,they are garbage!! I am going to file a complaint with The Better Business Bureau,seeig that I failed to hear from AAA complaint department in 2 weeks!! Thanks for listening!!
Posted by AAASTINKS!!! on 2014-01-17:
My car battery "died" 2 weeks ago. AAA gave me one for 120$…and installed it. Yesterday my car did not start. I called AAA, they state it is not my battery and that I have a drain problem and need an auto body shop. I have it towed and it sat at my auto body shop for 24 hrs. My mechanic states it is that battery after running tests on it for hours. I drive it to work after my auto body shop charged it for me. AAA comes out states they will replace my battery. The AA guy comes states it is not my battery! I was stranded after working a 12 hr shift in the cold. I jumped my car enough from a friend after the guy drove off and will deal with it in the morning!!!! I am so mad and disgusted!!!!
Posted by former aaa battery service on 2014-01-28:
As a former AAA battery service provider, I would steer clear of anything AAA including the batteries as they are like a cheap product being tagged by AAA for their own profit with the consumer being left out of the equation. Now they are opening repair shops to get upsell you more non quality repairs. What does this non profit do with all this profit? They are pushed to sell...remember all the reports on the big companies selling stuff to you that you do not need.....inferior batteries will also cause your to have to replace your starter and alternator from not holding the proper charge.....see the picture?
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Beware AAA Batteries!
Posted by A1property on 03/29/2011
MODESTO, CALIFORNIA -- Have been a faithful AAA member since 1974. Recently, needed a jump start due to weak battery. Tech told me battery needed to be replaced. So rather than going to Lexus for one of their 7-year warranty batteries, I believed the technician from Scenic Towing who stated he could replace the battery right now with a new AAA battery (2 year warranty).
This was in Oct 2010. Well in Mar 2011, I again had problems with the (new?) AAA battery. Again got a jump start, drove down the street 1/2 mile and battery went DEAD. Called AAA again to tow me to Lexus, where I got a "good" battery. Lexus checked it out and found the battery dead.
Went to Scenic Towing for a refund. I was told by the manager that only AAA batteries could be used, they would not refund money ($120) and stated I broke the contract because their battery was removed.
I tried to complain to AAA, and they said I had signed the contract and refused to call me back further. This is a real RIP-OFF. My instincts told me that AAA is no longer to be trusted. I will be cancelling insurance also.
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Posted by getoverit on 2011-03-29:
It's hard for me to see exactly what the complaint is. Evidently, there was a "contract" that had stipuations about how a replacement would be handled in the event that the battery failed. The battery did fail and the OP bought a battery from a Lexus dealer, expecting a refund from the people who sold the failed battery.
My understanding is that battery warranties are usually pro-rated. So, I would not have expected a full refund after five months on a two year warranty. I would think they would have offerred to replace the battery, at a reduced price based on the unused portion of the warranty.
But we don't really know the terms of that agreement, or even who the OP entered the agreement with (Scenic Towing? AAA?). I don't think a car battery warranty normally allows the customer to go out and buy whatever they want and then get a full refund.
Posted by trmn8r on 2011-03-29:
From what I can see on the AAA website, if you buy your battery from the AAA service center (Scenic Towing), you get a 3 year FREE REPLACEMENT, and then 6-year prorated replacement.
I would agree that what you tried to do it outside the contract as I understand it. You didn't have an AAA service center do the replacement. You tried to take your bill and get a refund for a non-AAA installed battery. That isn't what the contract called for.
Posted by old newfie on 2011-03-30:
Most all warranties cover replacement of the product. I don't know of any company that will let you use their product for 6 months and then give you a full refund so you can buy it somewhere else. Warranty states that it will give you a free replacement not a refund. Sorry but that's how most all warranties work, even on the lexus battery..
Posted by Kurizumaru on 2011-03-30:
did your battery fail while your car was running? For some reason this sounds like an Alternator problem. We had a car that we thought it was the battery and (despite being a relatively new battery) were told to replace it. However, that didn't solve the problem. We got the car checked out by a friend who's a mechanic and he said that our Alternator was going bad. Just a thought.
On the subject of AAA did you read the contract when you signed it? Unfortunately, it sounds as though you did break contract by having someone outside of the company do the replacement.
Posted by MRM on 2011-03-30:
Please check for the corrosion on the battery cable. Every time I start the car, I would have to jumpstart it. Then when I finally cleaned the battery cable, the car starts up every time.
Posted by Sarah Rhapsodos on 2011-04-07:
I don't get it, you're saying that AAA batteries are a ripoff because you broke the contract? How does that make any sense?
Posted by Solumina on 2011-04-15:
About 2 years ago the same thing happened to me but I called AAA when my new-ish battery died and they replaced it without any problems. Of course they aren't going to pay for you to get something from someone else, that is how warranties work (not to mention that it was extremely clear and easy to understand in the paperwork).
Posted by PepperElf on 2011-04-29:
It sounds like the OP kept doing the same thing...
OP gets a product under warranty with Company A. Product has issues.
However instead of going back to A for repairs he goes to Company B who does work.
THEN the OP goes to Company A for $ claiming warranty... but since Company B did the work on it, the warranty is null and void.
When you want one company to perform warranty work you need to take it to THAT company, or to someone they authorize, especially if you want them to give you $ back.
Posted by tom on 2013-10-11:
Been a AAA gold member for 15 years plus and hardly used their services. Now found battery warrantee is worthless. B ought a new one from their truck which lasted only 22 months and died but AAA would not back it up although clearly says 36 month warrantee. Had a different situation also and they could not tow so had to call a local guy. When you need them, they have become the same as so much of the rest of corporate America ... quite sad and disturbing.
Posted by james on 2014-02-15:
There are alot of mistruths in this thread.
First AAA batteries are made by DECA who makes, Harley Davidson, John Deere etc. They are very good batteries and always test many more CCA than rated.
Second they warranty is 6 years 3 free replacement 3 pro rated which is a very good industry warranty.
3rd if you "abuse" your car battery ie. drain it which is referred to as cycling it wont hold a charge and that doesnt matter what brand it is. If you leave on lights, leave doors open etc.. That is a human malfunction NOT a manufacturer issue.
4th the prices of AAA batteries are very competitive .
Last but not least AAA uses subcontractors for alot of their coverage so please do not rate AAA by the service of a bad experience. I garuntyee if you called to make a complaint it was taken and if there is a bad tow company out there AAA will stop using them if people complain.
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Do Not Buy Battery From AAA
Posted by Ezi on 05/13/2010
I am shocked by the attitude, the arrogance and the failure of the leadership to take responsibility for their defective batteries. AAA supplied me with a new battery a year ago warranted for 3 years. As these are low quality., the car would not start and they send me an agent who started the car and lectured me about the maintenance of the battery. The same day the car will not start and another honest guy came and informed me that we cannot replace the battery as the AAA might refuse to pay for it. He asked me to take the car to Honda to examine if there is other problems. Third time it would not start but this time I took it to Honda who did a service for the car and a certificate that the battery is defective.
I called the AAA and the guy came and indicated in the first instance that this type of batteries should not be used by Honda Hybrid but he phoned his boss and came to the conclusion that they cannot replace the battery.
The AAA should not have gone in business with questionable credibility to its customers. Also they should review their policies that resulted in such big failure, that I doubt it could happen in small battery shop!!!!
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Posted by Liz on 2012-09-20:
I had a similar experience with AAA today. AAA installed one of their batteries in my car, with a 36-month warranty. This was in Feb. My car wouldn't start today, so AAA came: a mechanic first (who tested the battery, and said it was not the starter, or alternator), the tow company under contract with AAA: although the voltage was very low, according to them my battery did not test low enough in voltage to replace. He refused to replace it, chalking it up to driving around for 30 min and it will be ok. He left, I drove the car for close to 45 min, and would not restart. Called AAA again, the technician said the same thing and refused to give me a new battery. He told me to take it to a shop and he drove away. I paid almost $100 for this 36-month battery under warranty less than 9 months ago. All I got from AAA was the runaround, cut off on the phone, rehearsed and redundant arguments, and sarcasm. I am filing a complaint about AAA to the BBB. They get a FFF. Oh, and I had my car checked out the day before for scheduled oil change, and there was nothing wrong...
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Do Not Buy Batteries From AAA!!
Posted by Eliviamelodey on 04/30/2012
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA -- When my battery died 2 years ago I purchased a new battery from the AAA service person who came to my aid. When my mechanic noticed how quickly the terminals were corroding, he commented on how poor the AAA batteries were and that it was unfortunate that they had gone into the business of selling batteries!!
Today my battery (which comes with a 3 year replacement guanantee) stopped working. The AAA service person arrived and charged my battery to make it start and then used a machine which was supposed to do a diagnostic on what what wrong. It printed out a paper with the report, which said my battery was fine and there could be (possibly) something going on with my alternator. I immediately drove to my mechanic, who pointed out that this diagnostic report didn't have any read-out for the amperage - which is a critical piece of information. So he did this and and told me that the battery was bad. He also ran a second test to identify which cell wasn't functioning.
AAA's policy is only to accept a computer generated physical diagnostic report, so they suggested I go to Toyota, where I would have to pay $100 to get this report. Only then would they honor the warranty. My mechanic replaced my battery AT COST.
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Posted by Robert Wilson on 2012-04-30:
I bought a battery from AUTOZONE which was defective. The clerk that worked there did the same chedk (possibly with the same type machine, and found it "good". I took it to WALMART, where they checked it under load. I went back to AUTOZONE they replaced it. Keep up the fight!
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AAA car battery scam
Posted by Edmauss on 05/01/2010
SANTA ANA -- The warranty on these batteries is a scam. My car died and AAA towed the car to my auto shop. The battery was completely dead with acid leaking out of it. The only way my mechanic could get it into the garage was to put in a battery temporarily. But because he took out the piece of crap from AAA, the warranty was "voided" conveniently. Turns out, by the way, the the lousy battery likely caused the alternator to go bad. So I'm out $550 total. Thanks, AAA -- I won't be renewing my membership for years to come. But you won't have to payout the $25 it probably cost you to supply those batteries made from old dog food cans. Smart business!
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Posted by Weedwhacked on 2010-05-01:
How can a battery make the alternator go bad?
Posted by bcd on 2010-05-01:
AAA did their job and got the car to the repair shop. Why didn't your mechanic push the car into the garage bay? That seems like something a mechanic would do on a regular basis.
Posted by Lousy Battery on 2012-08-11:
The battery was dead on 8/8/12, AAA didn't change me a new battery at my home but asked me to a AAA assigned auto shop to do further check and it is free. It end up only $52.80 for a new battery and nothing wrong of my car. Then went back to work and went home. In the evening needed to go to Target to buy cat food, then my car didn't work again just like the battery is totally dead again. AAA came again and did the test on the battery and said the battery was good, it was my car has electrical short. Since my car is 1999 camry, is an old car and I think that made sense to me. The next day, I called AAA to tow my car to my technician. AAA came the guy said the battery didn't really assemble correctly, but he would tow my car to my technician anyway. After my technician using another battery to test my car everything just came out fine. My technician told me this was a 2nd case to him about AAA lousy battery within few months. I will not use AAA battery anymore!!!!
Posted by Diaaa Pointed on 2013-06-04:
What a scam! They came to our house, said that they battery was not dead, towed us to our dealership the next day, who determined the battery to be dead and informed us that they had seen similar scenarios with aaa. We took the battery to a aaa service center, the manger tested the battery overnight and said that it was indeed dead, yet, they're still not wanting to pay for a new battery! No more aaa, they need honest competition!!!!
Posted by Kelly on 2014-01-17:
1/3/14 my car died. AAA roadside assistance came out to assist me and sold me a new battery. I was on my way with a working car. On 1/15/2013, my car wouldn't start again. I called them out they stated it is not my battery and not my alternator but my car is drawing power from somewhere. They towed my car to my mechanic. He ran a series of tests on it and determined it is the battery and looked at if for over 24 hrs. ( he didn't charge me anything). I called AAA they said they will come out and put a new one in at cost. The battery had enough power to drive it to my work place where I was able to wait for AAA. The AAA came out and said "ITS IS NOT THE BATTERY" The customer services reps are degrading and awful. He jumped my car I brought it home. I called AAA to see what they could do the next morning (now 1/17/14 ). After being put through the ringer on the phone with verifying EVERYTHING. She even called my mechanic , called the AAA shop that came out. She then tried to tell me I requested a battery on 1/3/15 and that it was my alternator and not my battery!!! Long story short after she degraded me she sent the Battery manager out to assist me one last time. He noticed it was a bad battery and also THE WRONG BATTERY!
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AAA Battery Replacement
Posted by Mmdiqbal on 02/19/2014
WEST CHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA -- AAA battery sucks. AAA replaced with a new battery on 1/9/2014 and then series of problems started. Daily when I park the car and take in the next morning the battery is dead. Called multiple times for inspecting the battery and always they were specifying there is some issue with Car which is draining the battery overnight. I had to take to several service centers and spent more bucks for diagnosis but keep ending there was no issue with Car. Finally took to an auto electric shop. They diagnosed and concluded it was the battery issue. After that as well AAA came, ran some test on the battery and said battery is good. My auto electric service person explained what was the issue but the AAA person came said they battery can't be replaced. To prove the theory of diagnosis done by auto electric shop they gave a temporary battery. Next day there wasn't a issue with car and Car started as usual. Then called AAA and explained what I did. AAA said first of all the battery installed by them shouldn't be removed and that voids the warranty. Warranty is always for the battery and not for the installation. I kept explaining them but AAA wasn't able to listen to me and said they can't do anything with this.
I will never opt battery service from AAA. It is a waste of time and money. Warranty is just a piece of information on paper and they just try to find fault to see how they shouldn't replace the battery.
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False Advertising and RIP OFF Mobile Battery Replacement
Posted by Mbones19 on 01/05/2014
False advertising screenshot
MID ATLANTIC, NEW JERSEY -- BUNCH OF CROOKS! FALSE ADVERTISING. Absolutely appalled at the lack of service and relentless up-selling I just received. My car battery died on Thursday, and I knew I needed a new one. My insurance is wonderful and provides free jumps, towing, lockout service, etc… all the things that come in a basic AAA membership service, which is why I don't need a membership w/AAA. I was planning on calling my insurance for a free jump, then driving my car to a local auto shop for a battery replacement. My dad suggested I look into a mobile battery replacement service, and after a quick online search, AAA mobile battery replacement was the first I found, claiming $135 for non members. Seems good enough, slightly more expensive than my auto shop, but way more convenient… so I called yesterday to see if I could set up an appointment for today, explained I'm not a member and did not want to become one, etc.
The representative with whom I spoke told me to call back today and they would be happy to dispatch someone to my location today. Called today (on hold forever), to be told the service is only for members, at which point I explained to the representative that the person with whom I spoke yesterday said it's not a problem if I'm not a member. Today's representative said that yesterday's representative must have been mistaken, but "If you purchase a membership with me I'd be happy to set up a battery replacement." ARE YOU KIDDING? I told her, "I'm literally LOOKING at the AAA website which clearly states on more than one page that the cost is $135 for non-members, and $110 for members. I want the $135 price, since I'm not paying $72 for the privilege of a battery replacement when my insurance covers all of the other supposed roadside benefits that AAA offers!" She again told me I am mistaken, so I said, "Perhaps you can transfer me to someone else." She said, "Please hold and I'll try to get a supervisor." (on hold again for forever) She comes back saying that they can get a mobile battery replacement sent to me, but that it would cost way more than $135, maybe even over $200, and wouldn't I like to sign up for a membership for a discount on the battery service and she would even take $10 off the yearly membership cost! I once again reiterated that my (non-thief) insurance company has all the roadside perks of AA (sans battery replacement) for free.
This conversations dragged on entirely too long. So apparently now someone is supposed to come to my house in the next 90 minutes but are first supposed to call me to confirm a price since AAA was unable to do it since I wasn't a member. At this point, I am so fed up that I am quite close to scrapping it and getting a jump and driving to my local auto shop, but I'm interested to hear what this "non member cost" now will be. I AM SO FRUSTRATED at the poor service given to me as a non-member – honestly, should you be trying to get customers??? With how poorly I was just treated without yet giving you my money, I'd hate to see how you treat those poor souls who have already committed to a year of your nonsense! Not to mention the ridiculous false advertising ALL OVER YOUR WEBSITE. For a company that supposedly prides itself on its longstanding, fabulous reputation, you should be ashamed. I am proud to say I never have been, nor ever will be, a member of your elite club.
UPDATE - -Service has been cancelled due to it costing a MINIMUM OF $190!!!!! MINIMUM!!! They could POSSIBLY charge me more upon arrival!!! Why even both posting a price on your site???
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Posted by FoDaddy19 on 2014-01-06:
I'm looking at their website now (Mid-Atlantic region) and I can't even get a quote without submitting my member information. What I've seen seems to corroborate what the AAA representatives told you.
With that said after inputting my membership info I was able to get a quote similar to the screenshot that you posted. The kicker though, is that I couldn't get any price quote at all until I entered my AAA membership info. I even tried going in through a direct link from google.
Were you able to get a quote without putting in any membership info?
If so, then it would seem to be a case of false advertising.
Posted by allan on 2014-02-07:
When I was an AAA member in Maryland, I left my lights on, called AAA and a battery truck arrived in ten minutes, it takes over an hour for a tow, but the driver refused to jump , said need new battery. Called AAA and they sent another, he checked battery, and charging system, and jumped.
AAA refused to apologize or admit they did anything wrong.
Posted by Mitch on 2014-02-08:
I belong to AAA and I have the Gold plus or something like that, anyway my advise to anyone dealing with AAA is to record everything as they do.Remember to take names write them down and date everything and time too. My whole family belongs to AAA, but this is the last year for all of us. We are done and tired too of dealing with liars....They told me after I was in an accident and called a service I knew and I told him I had AAA, he said nope don't deal with them anymore, they left a bad taste in his mouth he said. so I called the second and only one left in town, told him I had AAA he said you pay me and you collect from them, he has trouble getting his money? so out of 2 and only 2 wrecker services in town, i paid, it took AAA about 3 weeks before I got a check. So what really takes place here is they play on peoples money as long as they can, without paying right away.I would not recommend AAA to a friend.
Posted by Midge2914 on 2014-02-09:
I have had AAA for years and honestly don't know why. Maybe it is for the feeling of being "safe if anything happens", but to tell you the truth, the two times I have called in the last few years for help, the time I was made to wait until a truck showed up was unacceptable. The first time when I asked the operator at AAA how long before someone got to me, she said at least 1-1/2 to 2 hours, and the second time was almost the same if not longer. Both times a family member got to me before the truck did, and that was after waiting the 1-1/2 hour time that I was quoted, so by the time family showed up it was going on a wait of 2 hours. Both times I told the operator I was alone, it was getting dark, and I was about 50 miles from home. That made no difference. Are there better companies? If so, please list them -- I would love to change. I keep it because one long tow could cost what I pay per year in member rates and I can't change a flat tire. The service, both from the operators who answer the phones and the tow trucks who are sent out is unacceptable. They are rude, the phone lines are always busy, the times until the truck gets to you is always changing and getting longer and longer, and across the board, this company needs to be revamped and overhauled from the ground up, because right now it is the company who needs a "hot shot", and not a member's car.
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AAA Battery Service Did Reverse Polarity Damage Car CPU
Posted by R56twisted on 09/17/2013
PHOENIX, ARIZONA -- On 9/1/2013 I drove to Flagstaff, AZ to visit my son that goes to NAU. I drove to his work at the Courtyard Marriott and talk to my son. When I went to leave I started the car and went to back up, and the car stopped. Tried to start again, and would not start. I call AAA roadside assistance and they sent out a AAA Flagstaff Battery, because I have a AAA battery. The serviceman Felix want to jump car to get out of drive. Asked for me to open hood, advised battery in trunk. Said has connections under hood also, so he hook battery cables to connections under hood. When he told me to start the car, my door locks when up & down and my dash board start flashing and making sounds/alarms when it started, but when I put in drive it stopped again. He then hooked battery charger to battery itself in trunk. Did test said alternator was bad. So had towed to Seven Day Auto to get alternator replace. They inform me before work started that I had a engine light on, and key not on, and should not be there. They replaced the alternator and advised me that my computer to car was damaged and that they suspected that when car was jump he had cables wrong and did a reversed polarity on my battery that damaged the CPU on my car. Put in new alternator, but could not get any reading on CPU. I could drive the car, but there was no reading on transmissions or anything else, would drive in 2nd gear, but no speedometer, air, etc. I drove back to Phoenix and put in complaint with AAA complaint ref#1327 2006 Chevy Cobalt, had a Tiffany [snip]working with me, would not give me a rental because Battery company sub contracted and was denying they were at fault. Had AAA recommend Kelly Clark East to take car to for an cost for repairs on car, they recommended Courtesy Chevrolet, because dealership would have to reprogram CPU. I took to Courtesy on 9/7/2013 they verified computer damaged, and also agreed that there had been a reversed polarity done on battery. Have submitted all paper work, Seven Day Auto & Courtesy Chevrolet have submitted their paper work to AAA. I had to get a rental car on 9/7/2013 and returned it on 9/14/2013 because could not afford it. On 9/12/13 was told I would be contacted by 9/13/2013 with answer. Have had no response, called on 9/16/2013 and was told Damen [snip] was in charge of it now, have left multiple messages and have no response still since 9/12/2013. This is causing a lot of stress on me, I have anxiety problems and also afraid of losing my Job, because I have no transportation and medical issues causing me to miss work.
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Posted by Old Timer on 2013-09-18:
Take the whole bunch of them to small claims court. Let a judge decide who screwed up and is at fault. They will probably settle up before a court date as they know they are at fault. Suing AAA is just icing on the cake to let them know you're done screwing around with the problem. Deep pockets and fault will get you paid back.
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Bad battery service and bad road call service (battery under warranty)
Posted by Darlenewilliams513 on 02/12/2012
CINCINNATI, OHIO -- My battery is bad. car won"t start in am after sitting overnite. total 3 calls in last 2 months to aaa cinti. 2 of those calls tday, feb12 2012. my warranty is up about 3/12/12, and won"t honor warantee. there were no systems defaults on system analysis printed copy at 2nd call and no analysis or nothing on 1st call. on but on both calls, the battery was 8.1 and 8.3. they had no problem taking the 120.00 for battery. finally, ebony and her supervisor decided to send out another call to put new battery in my car. as I wait for the hour, a call representative called me and said, I wasn"t getting new battery and supervisor of those other 2 guys willi call me. I called back to speak to ebony, and I was told she was gone, and then my conversation after holds were rushed, condenscending to me, and etc.. She said air inflation on my cars heard on left front back was attached to battery that on front right of car. when I asked her what it looked like, she got offended and nasty. ALL LIES!... I installed GM batteries on my job in past. my car is 1993 bonneville and is still running. I have had other bad experience with bad information from aaa drivers, and I just let it go. I was told my warrentee is null and void. the car only didn:t start after it sat allnite in single digits. the cold crank wasn"t enough enough. my car is all power. the battery aaa replaced in 2009 had more cold cranking and lasted for about 6 yrs. disrespect and the stress I endured being a patient of cong. heart failure and breathing and coughing after this ordeal is terribly wrong. through the many years off and on with aaa, I had never had terrible interactions and service with aaa until now. What has happened?
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Posted by trmn8r on 2012-02-13:
I couldn't follow your complaint exactly, but basically it sounds like their test did not confirm your battery is defective.
Perhaps you didn't drive far enough to recharge it, or there is a problem with the charging system or a leak to ground when the car is off. Any one of these could result in having to call a second time in one day, even though the battery isn't bad. Just a guess...
Posted by tnchuck100 on 2012-02-13:
"She said air inflation on my cars heard on left front back was attached to battery that on front right of car."
Can anyone decipher this statement? I am usually not that dense but this one has me stymied.
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Merrigan on dean's list at Notre Dame Michelle Merrigan, daughter of Nick and Mary Merrigan, Vermillion, has been named to the dean's list at the University of Notre Dame for outstanding scholarship during the fall semester.
The dean's list is comprised of a select group of students who have succeeded in maintaining a scholastic average of 3.4 and above during the past semester.
Merrigan, a 1997 graduate of Vermillion High School, is a junior in the University's College of Arts and Letters, majoring in psychology and computer applications.


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Why buy the white and boring plastic wipes box? Great for a special nursery or a fancy powder room!
For all the animal print lovers, this is a the box for you! Cool and different, the animal print fabric is a nice alternative to our current collection! We also added a fabulous handmade tulle heart, super chic and trendy for all cool babies and mommies everywhere! Coordinates with Travel wipes.
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Comments On Jul 10, 2012:I have been running a Hinson basket for the last four years. Last year I added the inner hub and other components and it is working flawlessly.
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Salt 88, a new modern Italian restaurant in west Omaha, is slated to open in May.
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Use in feeders placed approximately 5 ft. off the ground in protected areas with trees and shrubs.
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Good times and Great Classic Hits! 4KQ 693. All the latest from Laurel, Gary & Mark in the morning.
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Mathison: Get your day off to a great start"Falling back" as our clocks shift and as we gain an extra hour is a little easier on our systems than springing ahead. Even with the extra hour, mornings can be a challenge. Most productivity and personal development experts will agree that the early bird gets the worm. Tony Robbins talks about the Hour of Power as a great way to get your day going.
By: Dr. Susan Mathison, Areavoices blogger, INFORUM
"Falling back" as our clocks shift and as we gain an extra hour is a little easier on our systems than springing ahead.
Even with the extra hour, mornings can be a challenge. Most productivity and personal development experts will agree that the early bird gets the worm. Tony Robbins talks about the Hour of Power as a great way to get your day going.
I've experienced the same and try to start my day in a way that sets me up for success. I also believe that different people work best at different times, and there are morning larks and night owls. These are described as inherited traits in the sleep literature.
But no matter when your productive hours are, it's important you set up your day for greater well-being with some healthy morning rituals. Here are my tips for a great start in the morning:
- Say no to the snooze button. Jump out of bed as if someone threw a bucket of cold water on you. Half of your day's success is actually showing up and being excited. Even if you still feel foggy, get out of bed the minute your alarm rings.
- Drink a pint of cold water first thing in the morning. If you don't like water on its own, squeeze some fresh lime into it. After being without fluids for several hours, your body is dehydrated – you need fluids and the cold water will also stimulate your metabolism.
- Bright light will help you energize. Exposure to light, especially sunlight is invigorating. It signals the brain that it's time to get going, and turns off the production of melatonin, a sleep-regulating hormone.
- Enjoy the silence for a few minutes. Be mindful of your blessings. Think about the day ahead, and anticipate that it will be great.
- Stretch and move. Research shows that a morning workout triggers positive endorphins and lowers stress hormones for most of the day. Every other day, make it an interval session of fast bursts of activity to turn on fat-burning hormones for the next 36 hours.
- Brush your tongue as well as your teeth. Lose the morning breath and start off minty fresh. Research shows that a tongue scraper works even better.
- Aromatherapy in your shower. Scents like mint, citrus and eucalyptus are a great pick-me-up.
- Drink green tea. Instead of coffee, have a cup of green tea. Boosts your energy, provides antioxidants and has been promoted as a great natural healthy option.
- Eat breakfast within 30-60 minutes of waking to get your metabolism going. All research points to breakfast being the most important meal of your day. Make sure you include protein, healthy fats and some complex carbs to help with appetite control for the rest of the day and prevent the mid-morning slump.
- Journal. I find that writing things out helps me be creative and problem solve, especially in retrospect.
- Take care of yourself, before the rest of your world wakes up. Once kids, spouses and pets are awake, it's harder to give yourself time to get a great start. Setting the alarm for your own personal power hour makes sense.
- Start the night before. Make your list of to-do's. Plan ahead for breakfast and lunch. And get a good night's sleep!
Dr. Susan Mathison founded Catalyst Medical Center in Fargo and created PositivelyBeautiful.com to share her thoughts on beauty, wellness and life. She blogs at positivelybeautiful.areavoices.com
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97th Tour de France
Stage 8 - Station des Rousses to Morzine-Avoriaz - 189.0 km (117.2 mi)
11 July 2010
Rare are the occasions when a sports fan really sits back and gasps at what he or she has just witnessed. Unfortunately for me, I had to race out the door after the end of Stage 8 or I would've been able to pen this sooner. But then, I also got a day to reflect upon what had just unfolded -- albeit a day that was also filled with listening to every minute of the FIFA World Cup final on the radio -- as the Tour de France took another inexplicable twist on an unpredictable 2010 edition.
It was the first summit finish of the race, the entry into the Alps and the first real test of this year's race. It was a day that saw a changing of the guard completing itself, a legend fading into obsolescence as one of the brightest young faces of the sport in years ascended toward a stage victory and a prime spot in the general classification. While other riders -- most notably Cadel Evans (BMC), who would trade his rainbow-striped jersey of the current world champion for the maillot jaune of the race leader after finishing amongst the leaders on the final climb -- would play a role, this day truly belong to two men: Lance and Andy.
A similar scenario was playing out five years ago. Then, Armstrong was racing his final Tour with Discovery Channel, the last of his seventh consecutive overall victories in the event, and it looked as they headed into the Alps as though his team might be showing some cracks in its seemingly-impenetrable armor. The ride into Mulhouse had seemed to expose their weaknesses defending their front-runner status; but then, the next stage revealed the first summit finish at Courcheval and all was righted in the world. Lance took second on that stage to reclaim the yellow jersey he has worn for 83 days at the Tour, second only to Eddy Merckx on the all-time leaderboard -- and the one man who would defeat him that day as he overtook the lead, Alejandro Valverde, would be anointed as a potential heir apparent to his mantle as the top dog in the grand tours for years to come.
Of course, nothing is ever as it seems. Valverde is now sidelined due to his involvement in the Operacion Puerto scandal, irrefutable DNA evidence leading to his belated suspension nearly four years after the doping ring was first exposed in Madrid. Another Spaniard, Alberto Contador, has appropriated the top pedestal for himself in the peloton when it comes to the biggest events over the past three years after emerging from Valverde's long-cast shadow. And over the past few years, a young man from Luxembourg has emerged as the next great threat in the grand tours.
Andy Schleck, the 25-year-old Saxo Bank rider who once again leads the white jersey competition to determine the best young rider, would bound up the mountain to Morzine-Avoriaz to take the stage win in a two-up sprint at the summit -- just like that stage back in 2005, half a decade ago and light years away in terms of what has happened since. The main difference this time around? Armstrong was nowhere in sight, well down the mountainside in a day that reaped nothing but brimstone. Schleck, along with an elite group that contained world champion Evans, defending Tour champion Contador, Giro d'Italia winner Ivan Basso, and Giro/Vuelta winner Denis Menchov, used Lance's misfortune -- three crashes en route would derail any plans he had of utilizing the combined strengths of his teammates and nullify any tactical edge he might have brought to the proceedings -- to their benefit as they pulled themselves nearly twelve minutes clear of the American.
The big winner today, naturally, was Schleck. Not only did he win the stage but he pulled himself up to second place in the general classification ahead of more mountain stages, just twenty seconds behind new leader Cadel Evans. A better pure climber than the Australian, Schleck will be without the services of his older brother Frank going forward in the mountains (he broke his collarbone in a crash on the cobblestones of Stage 3) but still looks to have a team well-suited to everything he needs to get to that last launching platform to glory. He still is growing into his prime years as a cyclist, and we might just be watching the chrysalis of one of the highest-flying mountaineers of the peloton in the tradition of his compatriot (and former Tour winner) Charly Gaul.
Of course, Contador will still have something to say about that going forward. The Alps were never really his type of climbs, yet he still hung resolutely in there to limit his losses against Schleck. As Andy burst out of the elite front group on the mountain, the Spaniard tried to bridge up to his wheel. Instead, it was his countryman Samuel Sanchez who made the connection instead. After realizing he was beaten on this day for the acceleration up to the stage win, Contador smartly sat back and worked with Evans and Basso and Menchov to keep within a safe distance of the two leaders of the race.
Astana, long derided as nowhere stronger than last year's edition after Armstrong left with director Johan Bruyneel and lieutenants like Levi Leipheimer, Andreas Kloden, Chris Horner and Yaroslav Popovych, now look like they just might be the strongest team in the bunch again this year. Alexander Vinokourov, long a right-hand man for Jan Ullrich and wild-card animator for the old T-Mobile squads, has subjugated his own personal ambitions for the yellow jersey to lead the assistance for Alberto.
But while Saxo Bank and Astana will be looking to derail Evans and his BMC team in the next two weeks, don't forget to look out for the top team at this year's Giro. Liquigas, with leader Ivan Basso sitting in 13th at 2:41 behind the maillot jaune, also has Roman Kreuziger among its animators; he trails Schleck in the white jersey competition by 1:25 and sits above Basso in 7th overall. We might just see the Italian side put in a surprise... ultimately the Tour represents the best in international sport. Where else can you find a Spanish-led Kazakh squad dueling with an Italian outfit, an Aussie at the head of an American side a Danish team featuring a guy from Luxembourg?
Among the top ten sides heading into the first rest day, there are eight nationalities represented... in fact, the only thing lacking after the first day in the Alps is the Frenchmen. After Sylvain Chavanel finished just ahead of Armstrong, 11:40 behind Schleck's winning pace, he plummeted right out of the hunt for yellow. It was always a pipe dream for the French; it has been ever since Laurent Fignon retired, Laurent Jalabert encountered harder fields on home soil than further south in Spain, and Richard Virenque was entangled in L'Affaire Festina. At least they still have Jerome Pineau bedecked in the polka-dots, a complete domestic shutout prevented through the first week...
- Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank) 5:37:42
- Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi)
- Robert Gesink (Rabobank) +0:10
- Roman Kreuziger (Liquigas)
- Alberto Contador (Astana)
- Cadel Evans (BMC)
- Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Omega Pharma)
- Levi Leipheimer (Radio Shack)
- Ivan Basso (Liquigas)
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank)
- Cadel Evans (BMC) 37:57:09
- Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank) +0:20
- Alberto Contador (Astana) +1:01
- Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Omega) +1:03
- Denis Menchov (Rabobank) +1:10
- Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin) +1:11
- Roman Kreuziger (Liquigas) +1:45
- Levi Leipheimer (Radio Shack) +2:14
- Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) +2:15
- Michael Rogers (Columbia) +2:31
- Thor Hushovd (Cervelo) 118
- Alessandro Petacchi (Lampre) 114
- Robbie McEwen (Katusha) 105
- Jose Joaquin Rojas (Caisse d'Epargne) 92
- Mark Cavendish (Columbia) 85
- Edvald Boasson Hagen (Sky) 82
- Sebastien Turgot (Bbox-Bouygues) 79
- Geraint Thomas (Sky) 74
- Gerald Ciolek (Milram) 71
- Sylvain Chavanel (Quick Step) 69
- Jerome Pineau (Quick Step) 44
- Sylvain Chavanel (Quick Step) 36
- Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank) 30
- Mathieu Perget (Caisse d'Epargne) 28
- Rafael Valls (Footon-Servetto) 27
- Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) 26
- Robert Gesink (Rabobank) 22
- Thomas Voeckler (Bbox-Bouygues) 21
- Ruben Perez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) 20
- Mario Aerts (Omega Pharma-Lotto) 19
- Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank) 37:59:29
- Roman Kreuziger (Liquigas) +1:25
- Robert Gesink (Rabobank) +2:17
- Rafael Valls (Footon-Servetto) +4:07
- Pierre Rolland (Bbox-Bouygues) +10:54
- Julien El Fares (Cofidis) +17:10
- Cyril Gautier (Bbox-Bouygues) +23:57
- Jakob Fuglsang (Saxo Bank) +24:28
- Arkaitz Duran (Footon-Servetto) +24:57
- Eros Capecchi (Footon-Servetto) +29:09
Be sure to come back every day to follow the Tour de France here in the Non-Traditional Sports World... and to keep up with all of Bigalke's writing, follow him on Twitter or Facebook!


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Have you found some digital resources to use in teaching research skills to your students? Do you still require your students to write research papers? If yes, what expectations do you have for their research writing?
Thinkfinity offers some resources in developing research skills. Here are a few provided by ReadWriteThink--
Scaffolding Methods for Research Paper Writing
"Framing Texts: New Strategies for Student Writers"
Research Self-Assessment Rubric
I recently found an interesting graphic for How to Do Research provided by the Kentucky Virtual Library.
Please share some of your tips in teaching research skills.
Thanks, Lynne, for a great set of resources on a very important topic. Hope to add to the list before the week ends.
I love that graphic! I'll be interested to see what other resources educators are using. In the "information age," I think it's more critical than ever to teach students how to do research properly, with an even heavier focus on evaluating sources.
An educational public school program that I was a part of had the students create a presentation on any topic of their choice three times per year each year from K-5. These projects were videotaped and stored for the students entire elementary school years. I saw and found out personally that students could research very well when the subject was of interest to them. The students were required to pick a topic, research it, create a visual display, and write about their topic beginning with 1/2 page and then moving up in depth as they got older, present their topic to their peers and then field questions from their peers and respond to one teacher challenge question. If the student knew the answer to challenge question they were complete, if not they were instructed to go home and find the answer and report back the next day. The presenting student's parents, siblings, and grandparents were also invited into the class to see their child's presentation. This created a sense of ownership and an opportunity to show of to their peers and parents. At first there was a great deal of parent assistance but over the years the kids became more and more self-sufficient in creating the project on their own.
A few of the resources I used in teaching my class, came from The National Geographic, The Smithsonian Institute, and The Public Broadcasting System. These in depth websites offer discussion, lesson plans, and educational resources that can promote critical thinking, as well as language development. These three resources proved to be an entrance into eduactional advanmcement that broadened my classes discussion on a topic, by their inter-relatedness to educational themes, and served to focus my classes attention on their expansive use of research.
We're glad to hear you're finding Smithsonian resources a valuable addition to your classroom! Which specific lessons or activities have you been using? We'd love to hear what they are and how you're applying them--I'm sure it would help other members of the Community as well!
National Museum of American History
I love the graphic. I use the readWriteThink "Research Building Blocks" in the Intermediate grades during their library-media lessons. The students work on a major project in the fifth grade requiring them to write on a subject, create a presentation on the computer and present it orally.
Such a cool graphic! My teachers do still require research papers of their seniors and I would like to collaboratively redesign the research paper process at my school. One way I think we could vastly improve the process is to incorporate digital notetaking. I am looking for a way to for my 10-12th graders to take digital notes during their research process. Since notetaking is a core element of the research process, I am getting ready to experiment with using Evernote--the free version--as the students' notetaking software. They could access it from a desktop computer, an app on their smart phones, or on their iPad or tablet. For our students, while they don't have a 1:1 computing option, they have computer access when using the library. I'm really open to using web 2.0 tools in my research. I'd love to hear more about the way others do a modern research paper at the secondary level. I'll be checking into your suggested resources!
Hi Susan,
I'm glad you liked the graphic. I took a look at Evernote, and it appears to be a good, free, online source for digitized notetaking. I also found another free program called UberNote which may have some possibilities for web notes.
Let us know more about how your efforts to use Web 2.0 tools for research are working for your students. You may enjoy joining the group Online Tools for Educators which includes many discussions on using Web 2.0 tools in the classroom.
I actually have looked at UberNote also, but have not decided yet which I'll use. I will try to update you when I decide and let you know how it worked out with my students. I will be checking out the group Online Tools for Educators as you have suggested. Thanks!
I prepare my students for seconday school, by asking open ended questions that apply to a learning a skill.
Thank You,
Robben Wainer
My teaching of reseach skills has transformed over my 30+ years in education. As a language arts teacher, I find that preparing my students for their college experience is paramount. My students compose three research assignments during the school year. Most of my sophomores come to me with little or no researching skills. Since I collaborated with the guidance department, I devised a career paper. It is best to have students compose a paper in sections - cuts down on plagiarizing. Also, by requiring that the paper the written in the first person ( back in the day this would be unheard of) cuts down on the prospect of plagiarism. I agree with a previous post that that students need to discern what source are credible. That is a lesson itself. I tweaked a career project from ReadWriteThink site.
Students still have to use note cards and source cards. Otherwise, as novice researchers, their is a tendency to copy/paste. I "hold their hands" and go through every facet of the assignment with each student. The second and third assignment - no "holding hands" . The second assignment is for the students to write a persuasive letter to their parents/guardians asking them to financially support their post-secondary education. The last assignment is a multi-media project utilizing Google docs(presentation) , vocaroo, prezi, and video. A number of ELA content standards are involved in this project.Because most students are technologically savvy, the learning curve for most of the tools used in the project is minimal.
I also use the Big 6 research model when teaching research skill as well as Super 3 for the younger students. I use many of the games and activities from the Big 6 website. Using the primary sources from Smithsonian helps with students and their research. The History Channel as well as PBS has a wealth of information that is geared to students and research.
In my school system, we have databases. They are created for k-6 and 6-12 resources. Some of these databases include World Book Student, Sirs Discover, America the Beautiful and many more. I teach the students how to do a general search and also how to narrow our search topics. Some databases for the younger students have pictures and videos to help them locate information.
Each year my students are assigned a research paper on the life of a famous artist. One of the techniques I have found to be extremely effective is to have the students open two word documents as they work on their online research. In the first document (which must be clearly labeled), they list each website they obtained used and the facts they found on that site. I allow them to cut and paste in this portion of their research in the interest of efficiency and accuracy. Since they also have to submit these documents, it really helps avoid plagiarism as well. The second document is used to record any questions they may have, thoughts about research they have found and any discrepancies in their research.
In addition, whenever they encounter discrepancies, the information must be verified through at least two other resources.


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April 2014
Apr 14 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Christine Vachon will be speaking at Champlain College as part of the Women's Empowerment Initiative. Presentation will be moderated by Betsy Beaulieu (Dean CORE) and Paula Willoquet-Marcondi (Dean Communications & Media).
Vachon is a film producer and author, best know for her film Boys Don't Cry. She is an Independent Spirit Award winner as well as winner of the Gotham Award. Co-founder of indie powerhouse Killer Films.


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FAIRPORT - The Delta County Sheriff Marine Patrol was dispatched to Big Bay de Noc around 6:30 p.m. Monday for a two-boat collision that sent one boater to the hospital.
According to a press release from the Delta County Sheriff's Office, a 33-foot pleasure vessel operated by Richard Ranguette of Garden was traveling off of Fairport when the boat struck an 18-foot fishing vessel operated by Gregory Frazier of Rock.
Two passengers from Ranguette's boat boarded Frazier's boat and administered first-aid until an EMT from TriStar EMS arrived, police said.
Frazier's vessel sustained heavy damage and Frazier was transported to Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital by Rampart EMS, where he is listed in fair condition Tuesday. Ranguette's vessel sustained minor damage and neither Ranguette or his four passengers sustained injuries.


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This is Scotland, and I am tasting Scotches. Very fine ones, in fact. I should be happy. Even giddy. But there's a problem. I can't even see the drams - much less sip any.
Smartphones have suddenly sprouted like shiny bamboo shoots. People in my tour group are squeezing in front of me and elbowing me out of the way.
There's a woman with not one but two phones happily clicking away. A man wearing tweed is hopping as he snaps, which blocks a taller man behind him. I watch the tall guy drag over a chair from somewhere and begin shooting what has to be a hawk's-eye view of the scene.
Is the Duchess of Cambridge here? No, what the flashes are highlighting is, well, whisky. Images of a desk clerk pouring. Pictures of a drink.
As quickly as I can, I grab my camera, set the settings, flip on the flash, and - for reasons I'm not sure of - something makes me stop. Just this once, I'm not quite up for battle. I slink over to a plate of scones.
What's going on? The single-malt shot: It will not be mine.
Everyone else will snag much better images than I will. They'll be grabbing Facebook traffic the very second they post them.
I will drink my unrecorded whisky in disgrace.
- - -
When it comes to taking photos, I almost always try hard. I dance a samba the minute I'm lucky enough to reel a good shot in. But every once in a while, I have an intrusive thought: How many tidbits from a vacation does a traveler need?
I've started to think that snapping strings of pictures is a kind of nervous tic. A way to box up travel, show it off and take it safely home. It seems like the only convincing reason for a world that suddenly appears bored with plain old experience (yawn, another day in Rome) until the instant it's captured.
What makes a man hold up the screen of his picture-enabled iPad to block out a squadron of sun-bright parrots in Brazil? What causes a woman in a safari jacket to pose for a series of self-portraits? When it's sunset. In Kenya. When a brushfire tints the sky. When there are giraffes - softly bending - only a few yards away?
Why do people point lenses at unphotographable rain in rain forests? Or shadowless snow on top of ice on top of the Arctic Sea?
Why do diners in a Hanoi noodle joint forget the slurp, the steam, the shrimp curled up inside their pho? Everyone likes images that are sharp and evocative and good. But of every mouthful, at every meal?
I'm the first to admit: Whether it's a recipe or a blog, words arranged on paper look a lot more polished when they mix with pictures. Colors are a fast and fashionable crowd. A sentence skulks around in horn-rimmed glasses. Paragraphs hate parties. Pages are painfully shy.
So I get that hotshot photographers are proud. They can spot us amateurs coming, and they suppress a smirk. I know just what they're thinking: No fire in our bellies. No guts. No decent equipment. No game.
And when push comes to shove, I realize that they're right. That shot that caught the drama of an accident, in a dusty alley, deep in the medina, in between souks, in Fes? Not mine. I missed the action. I was engrossed in spooning up sauce with couscous at a cafe lunch.
That image that made the Atlas Mountains look luminescent, and picked out a lantern moon? I didn't take it. I was too busy skidding on pebbles. Too busy poring over a map. Too busy wiping my brow.
It may be simple jealousy, but lately I've felt a secret, giddy relief when I enter a place where pictures aren't allowed. Is it a tropical garden in Burma full of expansive blossoms and enormous trees? I might see a butterfly against a branch without the scene being backlit by a dozen flashes.
Is it an almost-famous restaurant in Madrid? I'll be able to actually taste and digest without a tablemate photogenically rearranging my food. Unruly lakes of gravy, hills of mashed potatoes? Do not sculpt. Here comes my knife.
Can you find flavor in a photo? Can you sniff it? Roll it around on your tongue? In these moments, I no longer want to try.
Suddenly I'm free - not just from forests of clicking cellphones - but from the temptation to pull out my own. I can concentrate, not on things that might be worth recording, but on the things that aren't.
A person's face that isn't craggy or intriguing. A rattling sound that makes me think of music. A boring-looking bit of fencing that, for some reason, reminds me of home.
When I get this gift of seconds that are very happily pointless, I remember something that I typically forget. I remember what it was like in the days before devices, before everyone on Earth was "wired."
I make my mind up to turn over a fresh new leaf on my very next trip. Don't be encumbered, I remind myself. Skip the technology, take a pass on gear.
I have a plan, in fact. A plan to alert myself when it's time to pack. I'll use my iPad, type in the date. I'll set it up just so.
I'll make sure that my device lays on an ear-splitting warning at exactly the moment when I'm filling my duffel.
"See more, snap less," it will say.
Don't be encumbered.
Don't be the Tweed Man. Don't be the Tall Man.
Just go.
CNHI Special Projects
Picturing the photo-free vacation
This is Scotland, and I am tasting Scotches. Very fine ones, in fact. I should be happy. Even giddy. But there's a problem. I can't even see the drams - much less sip any.
- CNHI Special Projects
A 'wearable robot' helps her walk again
Science is about facts, numbers, laws and formulas. To be really good at it, you need to spend a lot of time in school. But science is also about something more: dreaming big and helping people.
Cuba is running out of condoms
The newest item on Cuba's list of dwindling commodities is condoms, which are now reportedly in short supply. In response, the Cuban government has approved the sale of expired condoms.
VIDEO: Leopard attacks crowd in India
A leopard caused panic in the city of Chandrapur when it sprung from the roof of a house and charged at rescue workers.
'Warlock' in West Virginia accused of sexual assault
Police in West Virginia say a man claiming to be a "warlock" used promises of magical spells to lure children into committing sexual acts with him.
House Republicans are more active on Twitter than Democrats
Your representative in the House is almost certainly on Twitter. Your senator definitely is. But how are they using the social network? Are Democrats more active than Republicans, or vice versa? Who has the most followers on the Hill?
Do White Castle prices tell us anything about the minimum wage?
The paper looked at how many delicious steamed sliders the minimum wage has been able to purchase over time. The point is that as it notes, in 1981, the $3.35 minimum could buy a whole dozen. Today, at $7.25, it could purchase just 10.
VIDEO: Moose charges snowmobile, flees after warning shot
While snowmobiling in New England, Bob and Janis Powell of Maine were charged by a moose and caught the entire attack on camera.
Why do wolves howl?
Of all the myths that dog the wolf, none is more widely accepted than the idea that wolves howl at the moon. Images of wolves with their heads upturned, singing at the night sky, are as unquestioned as a goldfish's three-second memory or a dog's color-blindness (both also myths).
Pennsylvania won't take action following Ohio ruling on quakes, fracking
Pennsylvania officials plan no action despite new Ohio rules on drilling that affect a seismically active area near the state line.
The case for separate beds
The other night I slept on a twin bed in the guest room of the house I share with my husband and our two kids.
It was the best night's sleep I've had in years.
- More CNHI Special Projects Headlines
- A 'wearable robot' helps her walk again


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Department of Radiation Sciences (DRS): Expertise in Radiation Research
DRS mission: "To optimise the benefits from applications of ionising radiation, whilst affording protection against possible damaging effects"
DRS research is based upon three columns, each of which addresses major societal needs in Environmental Health, and which are conform to the Helmholtz Zentrum München goals for increased translational activity and personalized medicine with a disease focus. The columns are:
- Environment: Radioecology and Dosimetry
- Radiation and Risk
- Medical Applications of Ionising Radiation
The research activities of the DRS partners are represented in the activities of these three columns, demonstrating the synergy and interdisciplinary cooperation we strive to achieve. At the same time the focussing of research activity on only three columns generates the critical mass needed to remain internationally competitive.


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Very Bad Things
A case could easily be made that suspension is the most important system on your 4x4. It is suspension that gives your rig the ability to drive over any road in comfort. It is suspension that allows you to traverse extreme terrain while keeping your tires on the ground. It is suspension that allows you to safely carry a load and still navigate a twisty road. Quality suspension also protects other systems on the vehicle from excessive shock and vibrations. So what do you do when your suspension develops a problem? How do you know when is a squeak just a squeak, and when does it become a life-threatening problem?
Diagnosing suspension problems can be frustrating, expensive, and time-consuming. It doesn't matter if you have some clapped-out old ride or a high-dollar trail rig, no vehicle is immune from the problems associated with suspension. To help you understand the issues your rig faces, we compiled this general list of common suspension-related problems you may find on your 4x4.
Whether you are currently narrowing down suspension issues on your rig or not, it is important to remember to always inspect, re-torque, and grease your suspension components after every outing. This proper maintenance is the key to prolonging the life and durability of any suspension.
Bent Shock Shaft
What They Do: Shock shafts are part of the suspension system that damps wheel movement before it reaches the vehicle. The shock shaft, or piston rod, carries the shock piston on one end and provisions for mounting it on the other.
Symptoms: A bent shock shaft can cause a loss of shock travel, leaking seal (but not always), and a stiff ride depending on how severe the bend is.
Why They Go Bad: Common reasons for a bent shaft include hitting it against an object, improper suspension geometry, improper mounting or excessive misalignment, or over-articulation.
How To Fix: Usually this will require replacement of the shock, although most types of racing-style shocks can be rebuilt. The repair should always come with proper understanding of why the failure occurred in the first place.
Bad Ball Joints
What They Do: A ball joint is a spherical bearing that connects the steering knuckle to the control arm or axle. Ball joints allow the steering knuckle to be turned by the tie rod smoothly and without binding and are the pivot point between the wheels and suspension. On IFS-equipped vehicles, a ball joint has the additional duty of moving in a vertical plane with the control arms.
Symptoms: Early symptoms of a ball joint going bad could be wandering and/or clunking. In severe cases, the ball joint can completely fail causing the separation of the steering knuckle from a control arm. This would result in the driver losing control and crashing.
Why They Go Bad: Ball joints are made in both serviceable and non-serviceable variations. Serviceable ball joints need to be lubricated on a regular basis and non-serviceable ball joints become an issue once the seal breaks, as the joint will dry out and begin to rust. From there it is only a matter of time until failure. Other issues that can cause ball joint failure are larger and heavier wheels and tires, increased wheel backspacing, and on IFS rigs, overextension of the suspension.
How To Fix: Heavier-duty replacement ball joints are available in the aftermarket. Look for high-angle versions if you have an IFS rig.
Track Bar Hijinks
What They Do: Laterally locates the axle on solid axle suspensions with a link-coil design.
Symptoms: Track bars take a lot of load and an improperly adjusted, damaged, or loose track bar can cause the axle to sit off-center, cause clunking or popping when steering or going over bumps, and can cause the steering wheel to be off-center. A telling sign that there is a problem with a front track bar is a front axle that moves laterally with the steering wheel.
Why They Go Bad: Track bars can bend or break after suspension modifications or improper installation techniques. Improper grade bolts can break, while the wrong-sized bolt can oval-out or otherwise damage a bushing. Common hardware failures result from failure to re-torque after install. Normal wear and tear can also take their toll on track bars.
How To Fix: Track bars that suffered from a hardware failure should be properly reinstalled and torqued to spec. Failed track bars should be rebuilt or replaced, depending on the type of damage to the bar.


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The Girl Sandra Left Behind: Jesse James' Daughter Sunny Is All Grown Up — And Dating?! — Five Years After Bullock Cut Off Contact
The whole world felt Sandra Bullock's pain when it was revealed her husband, Jesse James, had been cheating on her with a parade of mistresses. But in… READ ON


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Randy Fletcher
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I am a fifth generation Oregonian but currently live in Winchester, Virginia. I am active in the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and work to repair, replace, or mark the graves of Civil War veterans buried in Oregon. In 2009 we completed renovation of the Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery in Portland including the replacement of a bronze statue stolen more than forty years ago. In 2007 we completed renovation of the G.A.R. burial plot in the Eugene Pioneer Cemetery.
The picture is of my son Andrew and I at the Portland G.A.R. Cemetery for the dedication ceremony on May 30, 2009.
Please click the website below to order my book on Oregon Civil War veterans.
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John Monk in Bluff City Cemetery, Elgin, IL
just wanted to thank you for sending the source, so few do that.
Added by
on Apr 07, 2014 7:31 AM
Bob Wilson
1st Oregon Volunteer Infantry
I noticed that you have a "Virtual Cemetery" for members of the 1st OVI. I am working on a memorial for a man whose records indicate that he belonged to that unit, but his grave appears to be unmarked (# 124630340). Are you aware of any individual or group who/which will spearhead the effort to get his grave marked?
I understand that the VA has recently become more intractable about such matters, insisting that it must be pursued by a family member -- which is quite difficult, since his obit stated that he had no relatives.
Any suggestions that you might have would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, and have a great day!
Bob Wilson
Harrisburg, Oregon
Added by
Bob Wilson
on Feb 04, 2014 7:19 PM
Donna (Endorf) Londeen
Thank you for the transfer! I don't even ask any more as most people will not transfer. I make transfers - almost everyday - but I am lucky to get maiden names added etc. when I send out edit/suggestions.
Thank you again
Added by
Donna (Endorf) Londeen
on Jan 28, 2014 5:36 PM
Thanks so much for the transfer of Elwood McGrew. I'll take good care of the memorial. You're the best!
Added by
on Dec 05, 2013 9:26 PM
Marcia vonGunden
Hello again Randy,
Thank you so very much for your generosity in transferring Elizabeth Jane "Jennie" Jamison Beamer to my care. I have now successfully "reunited" her, & as more information is found I will add it to OUR memorial.
Your willingness to share is much appreciated.
With regards and sincerest thanks,
# 47059326
Added by
Marcia vonGunden
on Dec 01, 2013 7:02 PM
Jeanine Ridener
Joseph M Sommers
Dear Mr. Fletcher:
You have emailed me once and gave some information on Joseph Sommers. I think this could be my great great grandfather, but am thrown off by the last name spelling with 2 "m"s.
Do you have the name of his wife and children?
Any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated to the Somers Family Tree.
Thank you,
Jeanine Somers Ridener
Added by
Jeanine Ridener
on Nov 09, 2013 10:57 PM
Juelette Fadness
Donald Maclachian
Randy, I added the birth date for Donald Maclachian. The closest I could come to matching the birth place you gave was Argyll and Bute. I know place names tend to change over time, so maybe Argleshire was a previous name? Let me know if you think it's not right. Also, since he is not a relative of mine and you are researching him I would be happy to transfer the memorial to you if you are interested. Juelette
Added by
Juelette Fadness
on Oct 09, 2013 6:28 PM
William H. Tuttle
I received this from Lorraine Hess who is related to the Tuttle family. I am not. His first wife, and Zoe's mother was Alice Cheney. If you use this you should credit Lorraine, not me.
The Descendants of William & Elizabeth Tuttle by George Frederick Tuttle, printed & published by Tuttle & Co., Rutland, VT, 1883:
p. 489-490
"William Henry Tuttle, born in Newburgh (Cuyahoga County), Ohio, Nov. 12, 1837. At the age of 19, spring of 1856, went west, entered the service of the American Fur Company, headquarters about the mouth of the Yellowstone River, 1,500 miles from white settlements. Soon learned the languages of the different tribes and was appointed the first Indian agent for the Sioux nation. The Indians constantly at war, his partner murdered and several attempts upon his own life induced him to resign. He then started for the Nevada mines, upon reaching which the Rebellion broke out and he enlisted as a private in the 2nd Regt. Cal. Vols.; serving through all the intermediate grades he became Acting Asst. Adj. Gen. with the rank of Major. His experience as a fronteresman becoming known to the old army officers, he was thenceforth employed until the end of the war against the Indians on the plains and in Texas, Arizona, Washington Ter., Oregon and Nevada. He then went to Mexico and ws appointed Col. in the Mexican army under Gen. Vega; but a short experience in that service sufficed to make evident the superior attractions of private American citizenship. Now (1878) resides in San Francisco, Cal.; married there Aug. 22, 1868, ALICE E. CHENEY, born in Indiana Jan. 27, 1852; only child ZOE LOLIE TUTTLE, born San Jose, Cal., March 18, 1870; made her first appearance on the theatrical stage at San Francisco Aug. 5, 1875, in her 6th year, and at this time, 1878, is a popular favorite there, playing leading parts in "All for Gold" and other pieces. The San Francisco Post, weekly and daily, of Aug. 15, 1878 says: "Little Zoe Tuttle, the pretty and piquant little girl whose precocious talent is so familiar to our theatre goers, goes east in charge of her mother to star in "All for Gold" and other pieces. The qualities which have made her so much of a favorite here will doubtless secure her future success." The Chicago Tribune of Nov. 16, 1879, says: "Zoe Tuttle the 'Little Buttercup' of Haverly's Juvenile Pinafore company was last night presented with a gold medal, a tribute tendered her by professional admirers of her rendition of the character. The medal is very beautiful and has the following inscription: 'To the best Little Buttercup from her professional admirers, Chicago, Nov. 15, 1879.' In the centre is a raised design of a buttercup." During the winter of 1880 she played 'Eva' in 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' at Booth's Theatre, N. Y. C., Garrett & Palmer, lessees. The play had a run of several weeks."
Added by
on Sep 13, 2013 3:25 PM
RE: William Henry Tuttle
I believe you are correct. Contact the owner of Zoe's memorial and have the link added. The person is very prompt. Last week someone sent me the biography of William Henry, Scroll down through my messages and you will see her. Ruth
Added by
on Sep 12, 2013 6:16 PM
Sheri West
Alfred Sweeney
Link to parents has been made :)
Added by
Sheri West
on Aug 27, 2013 3:42 PM
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